You ever wonder what’s on the nightstand of a billionaire? What they read when the world’s not watching? What books shaped their thinking, built their empires, and kept them grounded when everything got chaotic?
Well, you’re about to find out.
These five books aren’t just bestsellers—they’re billionaire favorites. That’s next-level endorsement. Because when people who’ve built rockets, revolutionized industries, or changed the way we live say, “This book changed my life,” we better pay attention.
Here’s your golden list.
Editor’s note: This list is intended to be used for informational purposes only. I don’t necessarily agree with all details written in the books featured here. You can go through your chosen book from our list and determine the best insights you can get.
Moreover, I am an Amazon Affiliate Program participant. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I would highly appreciate it if you buy books through my site. Thank you!

1. “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant” by Eric Jorgenson
Recommended by: Tim Ferriss, Jack Butcher, and—of course—Naval himself
Naval Ravikant isn’t your typical billionaire. He’s the kind of guy who can drop a single sentence that rewires your brain. And this book? It’s packed with those sentences.
Think of it like a playbook for building wealth, mastering happiness, and thinking clearly. No fluff. Just truth bombs. He doesn’t just talk about money—he talks about freedom. And freedom, my friend, is what it’s really about.
“Play long-term games with long-term people.”
That one quote alone can change how you approach relationships, business, everything.
If you’ve ever felt like you were meant for more—but just didn’t have the mental framework to get there—this book is your toolkit.
👉 Get a copy on Amazon. Seriously. Get the hard copy and highlight the heck out of it—or keep it on your Kindle and revisit it often. You’ll thank yourself in 5 years.
2. “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight
Recommended by: Bill Gates
This book isn’t just about building Nike. It’s about what really goes into creating something legendary—uncertainty, chaos, doubt, and an undying belief that you just can’t quit.
Phil Knight writes like a warrior-poet. Raw. Honest. Vulnerable. And when Bill Gates says this is one of his favorite books? You listen.
You’ll see behind the scenes of Nike’s rise from a scrappy idea to a global icon—and you’ll realize every great success story includes moments of fear, failure, and almost giving up.
If you’ve got a dream—any dream—you’ll find fire in these pages.
👉 Grab this one on Amazon. Get the hardcover if you want to feel the weight of legacy in your hands. Or download it to your Kindle and get ready for some late-night inspiration.
3. “Principles” by Ray Dalio
Recommended by: Tony Robbins, Reid Hoffman, and obviously—Ray Dalio
Ray Dalio didn’t just build one of the largest hedge funds in the world. He built a system for thinking—and that’s what this book delivers.
It’s like stepping into the mind of someone who sees the world in algorithms, patterns, and timeless truths. From business to personal life, Dalio lays down principles that make decision-making almost effortless.
What’s brilliant is how practical it is. It’s not a philosophy book—it’s a manual. You’ll find yourself saying, “Why didn’t anyone teach me this sooner?”
If you want to upgrade your decision-making, leadership, and overall clarity—this one’s a must.
👉 Go get it on Amazon—this is one you’ll want to keep next to your desk, your bed, your life. Kindle or hard copy—it doesn’t matter. Just read it.
*4. “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel
Recommended by: Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and countless Silicon Valley legends
Peter Thiel doesn’t mince words. He tells you exactly what it takes to build something truly original. Not a better version of what already exists. But something that’s new.
This book isn’t about business as usual—it’s about going from nothing to everything. It’s a mind-expander, especially if you’ve ever dreamed of creating, innovating, or building something the world has never seen.
The way Thiel breaks down competition, monopoly, innovation—it’s like business strategy on steroids.
If you’re tired of playing small, if you feel that entrepreneurial itch deep in your bones—this is the book you crack open.
👉 Order it on Amazon. Get the hard copy if you like scribbling notes in the margins. Or go Kindle if you want it with you everywhere. Either way—don’t sleep on this.
5. “The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday
Recommended by: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tim Ferriss, and top-performing athletes and CEOs everywhere
This one? It’s about resilience. About using your challenges as fuel instead of excuses.
Based on ancient Stoic wisdom but delivered in a punchy, modern style, this book teaches you how to turn trials into triumphs. It’s the mindset you need when life punches you in the face.
Because let’s be real—life will get hard. But it’s not the obstacle that defines you. It’s how you respond.
Read this, and you’ll start to welcome setbacks. You’ll see every problem as a portal to power.
👉 Get it on Amazon. This is one of those books you revisit when life knocks you down. Trust me—you’ll want it on your shelf or on your Kindle, ready when you need it most.
Top 3 Best Self-Help Books for May 2025
Final Thoughts
Look—billionaires aren’t superhuman. They just think differently. They read differently. And these books? They’re part of that difference.
The question is: Will you read them too?
Because information alone won’t change your life. Action will.
So pick one. Order it today.
Start reading, start thinking bigger—and who knows? Maybe one day someone will be writing your story.
You’ve got greatness in you. These books just help you unlock it.
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